Immunization Recommendations

ACNM is working with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve vaccination rates in women. ASTHO is a non-profit organization representing public health agencies and professionals, while promoting excellence in public health practice. The project involves producing a resource of materials that midwives can use to educate women about immunizations.

Each
vaccine has rigorous clinical trials before it can be approved by the Food and
Drug Administration. Clinical safety studies have been conducted for decades on
vaccines in pregnancy, and although there are risks with vaccines as with any
medication or procedure, studies have shown that immunization during pregnancy
protects the woman, the fetus, and the newborn, and that the chance of serious
harm is small. Side effects vary by vaccine, but the chance of severe side
effects is less than the complications from getting the disease. The March of Dimes, AAP, IOM, WHO, FDA, CDC,
and the NIH all confirm the safety of vaccines.

The resources below will assist you in providing immunizations to your clients: